How to identify a first printing
- First printings carry the copyright line with no later-printing notice; subsequent printings/editions are stated on the copyright page. Modern titles add a number line where '1' = first printing.
- Copyright page commonly prints a manufacturing/printing line; the lowest figure indicates the printing.
- Revised editions are explicitly dated and numbered.
Notable points & cautions
- Enduring Editions are print-on-demand reissues of backlist titles — not first printings.
- Strong Southern history/Civil War list; many titles reprint frequently with an unchanged copyright year — use the number line.
- Standard academic later-printing-noted convention for older books.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: UNC Press Enduring Editions, H. Eugene and Lillian Youngs Lehman Series, John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my University of North Carolina Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings carry the copyright line with no later-printing notice; subsequent printings/editions are stated on the copyright page. Modern titles add a number line where '1' = first printing. Copyright page commonly prints a manufacturing/printing line; the lowest figure indicates the printing.
Does University of North Carolina Press use a number line?
Copyright page commonly prints a manufacturing/printing line; the lowest figure indicates the printing.
Is a book-club edition a University of North Carolina Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Enduring Editions are print-on-demand reissues of backlist titles — not first printings.
What era does this cover?
This covers University of North Carolina Press (1922–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.